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Posted on: July 26, 2018

Connection seen between GPA and participation in school activities

Extra-curricular activities are valued as a way for students to learn about teamwork, responsibility, discipline, competition, and a sense of community. They provide an avenue to socialize and have fun.

There are also tangible benefits, such as learning new skills, creating, improving fitness, gaining physical strength and endurance, performing, and providing community service.

The Ray-Pec School District also sees how participation in athletics and activities can positively impact students' success in the classroom.

During a recent report to the School Board, Activities Director Tom Kruse showed how the grades of students involved in a sport or activity continue to be higher than students who do not participate in an activity. Kruse shared the presentation at the June 20 Board meeting.

Here is a comparison of cumulative GPA averages during 2017-2018:

3.44 for students who participate in scholar bowl.

3.37 for students who participate in band.

3.38 for students who participate in drama.

3.09 for students who participate in athletics.

2.90 for students who participate in choir.

2.94 for all students enrolled at the high school.

2.71 for students who do not participate in a MSHSAA sport or activity.

During 2017-2018, there was an increase in extracurricular participation among freshmen and juniors. There was also an increase in the number of students participating in two or more sports or activities. Nearly 1,000 students at Ray-Pec High School were involved in one or more sports or activities during 2017-2018. In addition, more than 600 students were members of one of the 25 clubs, including the new HOSA (Future Healthcare Professionals) group.

The High School renovation was complete at the beginning of 2017-2018, and Kruse noted that all three gyms were in use for some activity on most evenings. During the past year, Ray-Pec High School saw its first letter winners in trapshooting, and took 20 students to the first-ever Suburban Conference Sportsmanship Summit. During the annual Physical Night, more than 400 high school and middle school students obtained a physical required for participating in activities.

Through special activities, Ray-Pec teams, clubs, and organizations raised more than $44,000 for cancer charities, Special Olympics, and other causes.

Kruse shared accomplishments from the 2017-2018 school year, including district and state band and choir honors, state theatre awards, and athletic district-level and state achievements. Changes coming for 2018-2019 include a state championship for female wrestling. The High School also has a new step team, the Pantherettes. With the help of the Booster Club, new scoreboards are planned for softball, baseball, and wrestling.